Gorillas are some of the most fascinating, yet misunderstood animals in the world. Zoo Atlanta is proud to offer assistance in making Gorilla Haven a reality. Fannin County should be equally pleased to be able to say that it is home to Gorilla Haven and Steuart and Jane Dewar - two people who are now dedicating their efforts to making a difference in the lives of these endangered animals.
You
may officially add me to the list of your supporters when
you present your ‘case." I was very impressed
with your proposal, your knowledge and commitment when we
met and, as I indicated then, I am available to offer any
help or expertise that I have to your enterprise …
After visiting Gorilla Haven in
August 2000: "The facility will
certainly be not only state of the art, but will define
the state of the art."
I am very pleased to write this letter in support of the activities of the Dewar Wildlife Trust, specifically related to the establishment of Gorilla Haven…. The development of Gorilla Haven as a place where … animals can be housed in a state-of-the-art facility promises to be a valuable adjunct to the zoo world…
I have visited Fannin County and Gorilla Haven. I have discussed all the plans for the project at length and in great detail with the Dewars and other professionals. I totally endorse and wholeheartedly support the plans they have, as detailed in the "Gorilla Haven Mission Statement." They are good people, doing a fine thing - why not help them?
Having now seen the site for your planned Gorilla Haven facility, we want to say thank you on behalf of all the needy captive gorillas looking for a home, and to offer you our full support, both scientific and moral….We also want to congratulate you on the expert manner in which you have planned and proceeded with this project. You have surrounded yourselves with the world’s experts on gorillas and followed their advice …Our heartfelt well wishes for bringing Gorilla Haven to fruition, and our deep thanks for the monumental personal effort and resources you have put into the project, without which, the world would be a sadder place for both people and gorillas.
…there is currently an overabundance of male gorillas (partially due to their social structure of harem societies), and not enough good captive habitats in which to house them. There is a definite need in the zoological community for a place such as Gorilla Haven (which would include) first rate facilities and the hiring of highly qualified gorilla people.
I enjoyed meeting up with you both in Chicago and want to wish you luck in your project (Gorilla Haven) to make a home for surplus male gorillas … I can certainly think of few better ways to spending one’s money.
I have known the Dewars since 1990 and was witness to their early discussions about a plan to realistically help gorillas. They have been thorough in their research and Gorilla Haven promises to be a world-classed facility and one that is much-needed.
[The] Gorilla Haven concept has been well received by the zoo community as a wonderful way to help with the conservation and well-being of this great species. … What (the Dewars) have done is to devote their own time and resources to protecting a wonderful primate species. They have given up a comfortable life in Chicago to fund a sanctuary for gorillas that need a home…I would think that the community would gather in support of this noble and important project and be proud to have Jane and Steuart as neighbors."
Jane and Steuart Dewar are known in the primate world as dedicated, knowledgeable devotees of Great Apes, especially gorillas. Their Gorilla Haven proposal has the support of many professionals: primatologists, biologists, conservationists, zoo specialists. It answers a pressing humanitarian and conservation need, which they alone have the interest, concern and expertise to carry out, and the financial solvency to support…
When first hearing about your idea of Gorilla Haven, I was not sure whether it could work … Now I have no more doubt that you and Steuart would succeed in making Gorilla Haven an institution that not only benefits the gorillas …. But also research and the conservation of gorillas in the world … I wish you all the best with your efforts to establish Gorilla Haven.
I think it is clear that the overwhelming majority of us are excited about your project and are pulling for you. Good Luck.
I sympathize with you and those who make efforts towards conservation and the dignifying treatment of primates. If only the world had more human primates thinking like we do…
Congratulations … I wish you every success … you guys are really great.